Lonely Me And The Lonely Caring Goddess - Chapter 199: Sara-san’s Conviction.

Sara-san’s Conviction.

Nishikawa: “Alright, everything’s ready.”

Lined up on the table were three large cakes. Of course, they were all for Sara-san’s birthday.

I had originally intended to cover the cost of the cakes myself, but Nishikawa-san firmly refused.

Nishikawa: “We’ll take care of the cakes, so use that money for something else for Sara. She’ll be happier that way.”

That’s what she told me.

So I gratefully accepted her offer, but I never imagined she would prepare three cakes…

With the lights in the room turned off, the only source of illumination was the candles standing atop the strawberry cake. The flickering glow cast everyone’s faces in a gentle light, creating a fantastical atmosphere.

And around Sara-san’s neck, the pendant I had given her shimmered all the more brightly under the candlelight.

Natsumi: “Okay, everyone, let’s go. One, two—”

♪ Happy Birthday to you… ♪

When we first met, I never imagined that a day would come when I would be singing this song to Sara-san. Though each of us carried our own loneliness back then, now we were surrounded by wonderful friends, and we had become a couple… Damn, I’m about to cry.

♪ Happy Birthday to you… ♪

As we finished singing, I saw something glimmering in Sara-san’s eyes in the candlelight as she drew in a deep breath.

Fuuuu…

She blew out the candles with all her might, and I hurried to capture the moment on my phone. Because of the lighting, the photo kept blurring, so I could only hope at least one came out well.

After she successfully blew out the candles, the room fell into complete darkness, and when the lights turned back on—

Pop!!

Pop-pop-pop!!

Party poppers went off in unison as the lights illuminated the room once again.

Natsumi: “Well then, once again—”

Everyone: “Happy birthday!!”

We had completed the most important ritual without fail, and the party’s energy reached new heights.

Everyone seemed to be having so much fun, lifted by the festive mood.

Natsumi: “Hey, Takanashi-kun, over here!”

Me: “What is it?”

Called over by Natsumi-senpai, I saw they were about to cut the birthday cake. For some reason, Sara-san stood there holding a knife, waiting… or rather, being made to wait?

Natsumi: “Come on, Sara’s waiting. Cut the cake together with her!”

Toudou: “Wow, they’re actually going to do it!”

Tachikawa: “So exciting!!”

Me: “Uh, what are you talking about?”

As I stood beside Sara-san, feeling the oddly expectant gazes of the girls, Sara-san blushed and looked up at me shyly.

So… am I supposed to place my hand over hers on the knife?

Hanako: “I thought it was a joke… They’re really doing it?”

Yuji: “No, it sounds fun. Let’s watch.”

Hayato: “I’ll record it perfectly.”

Nishikawa: “W-Why do we have to be subjected to this just for cutting a birthday cake?!”

Natsumi: “Because it’s entertaining!”

The onlookers seemed way more excited than we were, and I felt like I was being left behind.

Well, if it entertains everyone…

Sara: “I’m so sorry, Kazunari-san. I… am I causing you trouble…?”

Sensing my hesitation, Sara-san’s expression clouded with worry.

No, if I stopped now, I’d only embarrass her. Besides, it’s not like I minded. If it made her happy, then I welcomed it.

Me: “No, Sara-san. If you’re okay with it, shall we try? Everyone seems to be looking forward to it.”

Sara: “Eh!? R-Really?”

Me: “O-Of course. I… I’m happy too.”

Her cheeks turned crimson in an instant, making me feel flustered as well. It was supposed to be just a little party performance, but seeing her reaction made me overly conscious of the moment.

She raised the knife slightly so I could place my hand over hers.

Why am I so nervous…?

Everyone held their breath watching us, and I could hear Toudou and Tachikawa whispering excitedly.

And as the knife approached the cake—

Sara: “N-No, I can’t do it!”

Suddenly, she pulled back, stopping the knife.

Surprised, I let go of her hand.

Sara: “I-I’m sorry. This is just… um…”

Her face remained bright red, and while I was a little disappointed by her refusal—

Me: “S-Sorry, I got carried away.”

Sara: “Kazunari-san!? P-Please, don’t make that face! I didn’t dislike it, I promise!”

I hadn’t intended to show disappointment, but seeing her desperately trying to explain made me want to reassure her.

Natsumi: “Sorry, Sara, we pushed you a bit too far.”

Nishikawa: “That’s right. Things like this should be done properly… Wait, Sara… could it be…?”

Suddenly, Nishikawa-san looked shocked, as if she realised something.

Sara: “Eri! Please, don’t say any more!!”

Still blushing furiously, Sara raised her voice at Nishikawa-san.

Natsumi: “…Ah! Don’t tell me, it’s that important!?”

Toudou & Tachikawa: “Kyaaa!!”

Hanako: “I suspected as much… so she was thinking about it after all.”

Apparently, the girls understood what was going on. At least I could take comfort that her refusal wasn’t because she disliked me.

Me: “…Hayato, do you get it?”

Hayato: “Kind of. I don’t want Sasakawa-senpai to scold me, so I won’t say it, but… I guess she wants to save it for later.”

Me: “Save it…? Yuji?”

Yuji: “I’ve got no clue.”

Sara: “Kazunari-san! Please, let’s end this conversation here!”

Me: “Y-Yes!”

Seeing her so desperate was unusual. She must have a firm reason.

Come to think of it, assuming she rejected me was wrong. There must be something she just couldn’t compromise on.

Natsumi: “Alright, alright, let’s not pry into Sara’s girlish resolve. Let’s eat the cake! I’ve been dying to try it!”

Toudou: “When I saw the box earlier, I was wondering… is this cake from that place…?”

Tachikawa: “I knew it!? I’ve always wanted to try it, but it’s so expensive I thought I never could!!”

From their reactions, it sounded like the cake was from a famous shop.

Since Nishikawa-san arranged everything, I didn’t know the details… but with her, it wouldn’t be surprising.

In the end, Sara sliced the cake herself (she was the only one skilled enough to handle the knife), and everyone chose their favourite pieces.

With three cakes of sizes I’d never even seen before, more than half still remained even after everyone had a slice, making me wonder if we’d ever finish them all… (I later realised my worry was unfounded.)

Natsumi: “Ahh, I can’t wait anymore. Sara, hurry up and eat!”

Nishikawa: “It’s your birthday cake, Sara. If you don’t eat first, no one else can.”

Sara: “I’m sorry, just a moment.”

Holding her plate, instead of eating, Sara-san walked over to my side.

Me: “Sara-san?”

Everyone looked on curiously as she cut a bite-sized piece with her fork and gently offered it to me.

Me: “S-Sara-san, shouldn’t you eat first…?”

Natsumi: “Yeah, Sara, it’s your birthday cake—”

Sara: “That’s why. Because it’s my birthday cake, I want Kazunari-san to have the first bite. And then I will…”

Somehow, I understood. It was something deeply personal to her. I couldn’t quite explain it, but I felt I understood her feelings. Because it was something precious to her, she wanted to share it first with the person she cherished most.

Hanako: “She’s such a romantic…”

Toudou: “I think it’s wonderful. I get how Sasakawa-senpai feels.”

Tachikawa: “Me too!”

When I nodded, Sara-san smiled radiantly and offered the fork again.

Sara: “Here, say ahh.”

Chomp… chew chew… gulp.

Me: “Yeah… it’s delicious. Happy birthday, again.”

If it was her turn next, I wanted to feed her from my cake too. Yes, that would be nice.

As I prepared to cut a piece for her, Sara-san seemed to notice something.

Sara: “Ah, Kazunari-san, you’ve got cake at the corner of your mouth. I’m sorry I didn’t feed you properly.”

Come to think of it, I remembered the fork wobbling when she fed me, maybe that was why.

Sara: “I’ll clean it for you, so please don’t move.”

Hanako: “Wait!? Nishikawa-san, stop her! This is a trap!”

Hanako suddenly cried out, but I had no chance to react.

Sara leaned in naturally, lifting herself on tiptoes as she brought her face close to mine—

Chu…

And kissed the spot where the cake had been.

Silence…

The noisy room fell completely still.

In my stunned gaze, I saw flushed faces… exasperated faces… shocked faces… blank faces…

She had wiped my mouth for me many times before, but this was the first time she had done it with a kiss. I froze, surprised by her sudden gesture.

After a moment, Sara-san slowly pulled away.

Sara: “Fufu… now, it’s like we shared the cake in turn, isn’t it?”

Me: “Ah… y-yeah, you’re right.”

I nodded, almost automatically… was this okay?

Well, seeing Sara-san giggle mischievously with delight, I guess it was.

Hanako: “She just wanted an excuse to flirt…”

Sara: “That was my true feeling, though.”

Hanako: “I figured… but then, on my birthday…”

Sara: “Hanako-san, I would never allow that.”

Hanako: “Ugh… the pressure of the wife…”

Between Sara-san and Hanako, there seemed to be a relationship slightly different from everyone else.

Nishikawa: “………I’m not jealous at all. No, not at all. Because someday… someday… muttering…”

As Toudou and the others squealed, I thought I saw a black aura surrounding Nishikawa-san again as she mumbled to herself…